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Why did Memphis choose freshman AJ Hill to replace its injured starting quarterback?

By , Daily Memphian Updated: October 19, 2025 9:02 PM CT | Published: October 19, 2025 1:21 PM CT

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — When Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis was sidelined with an injury during the Tigers’ 31-24 loss at UAB on Saturday, head coach Ryan Silverfield called on his four-star true freshman AJ Hill.

Memphis trailed by three points when Lewis was sacked on third down, ending the Tigers’ first drive of the second half. Lewis limped off the field, but it wasn’t immediately clear how serious the limp was for the first-year Nevada transfer.

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Memphis Tigers Football Memphis vs. UAB AJ Hill Subscriber Only

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Frank Bonner II

Frank Bonner II

Frank Bonner is the Memphis Tigers football beat writer. He is originally from Indiana but arrived in Memphis after spending two years in Tulsa, covering Oklahoma State football and basketball. He covered high school sports in Columbus, Indiana for two years before getting his Master’s degree in Sports Journalism at IUPUI. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University.


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